Wenona, IL
Population 1,006 · Illinois
About Wenona, IL
Wenona is a small town located in Illinois with a population of 1,006 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,921 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Wenona features a median home value of $88,900, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wenona one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $785, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 542 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (317 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (195 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wenona shows an unemployment rate of 1.1%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wenona have an average one-way commute time of 25.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.6% of Wenona residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 4.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Wenona, IL
Compared to national averages, Wenona has a median household income of $40,921 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,900, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $785 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Wenona's income is 45% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 46% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Wenona, IL?
Wenona offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $785/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.1%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,921) that falls below the national average. However, Wenona’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wenona has a population of 1,006 with a median age of 37.2 years. Compare Wenona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
Similar Cities Near Wenona
Cities in Illinois with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forrest | 1,008 | $70,417 | $104,000 | Compare |
| Hamel | 1,004 | $105,313 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Ashland | 1,001 | $62,417 | $104,000 | Compare |
| Rapids City | 1,012 | $90,750 | $207,600 | Compare |
| Minier | 999 | $77,500 | $138,200 | Compare |
| Percy | 1,014 | $42,813 | $88,500 | Compare |
| Ramsey | 998 | $50,664 | $58,000 | Compare |
| Forest View | 1,022 | $108,833 | $257,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Wenona With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wenona
What is the population of Wenona, IL?
The population of Wenona, IL is 1,006 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Wenona?
The median household income in Wenona, IL is $40,921 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wenona?
The median home value in Wenona, IL is $88,900, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wenona?
The median monthly rent in Wenona, IL is $785, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wenona?
The unemployment rate in Wenona, IL is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Wenona, IL a good place to live?
Wenona offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,006 and a median age of 37.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Wenona, IL?
19.6% of residents in Wenona aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Wenona?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wenona, IL: median home value is $88,900 (64% below national), median rent is $785/month, and median household income is $40,921. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wenona?
The poverty rate in Wenona, IL is 21.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Wenona, IL?
Wenona's population is 4.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.